Integrated system for combat helmet

ABSTRACT

An integrated system for protecting a wearers head and at least a portion of the wearer&#39;s face. The system comprises a support adapted for secure mounting to a helmet and comprising an elongate mask receiving portion arranged along the brim, a ballistic mask adapted for mounting to the elongate mask receiving portion, and a quick release mechanism securing the mask to the mask receiving portion. The mask can be removed from the elongate mounting portion by releasing the quick release mechanism. An alternative embodiment comprises a head gear which when worn by the wearer, a lower edge of a face protecting portion adjacent at least one of a pair of cheek protecting portions is positioned above a jaw line of the wearer, and a neck protecting skirt manufactured from a soft flexible ballistic armour and attached along the lower edge of the face protecting portion.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e), of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/097,575, filed on Sep. 17, 2008 which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an integrated system for combat helmet. In particular, there is provided a helmet assembly comprising a ballistic face mask having as a safety feature a quick release pushbutton for rapidly releasing the mask should a critical situation arise.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mounted and dismounted warriors are heavily faced with facial injuries, casualties and fatalities during training and combat operations. According to a 2007 American Congressional Research Service (CRS) Report for Congress, over 3,000 US Military combat deaths and over 20,000 casualties caused by Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) have been reported since 2001. In particular, eye, face, and head injuries represent a significant portion of these casualties, which can be reduced by providing helmet assemblies that offer significant ballistic, aural, head, and facial protection to wearers. An important requirement for such helmet assemblies is that they comfortably fit combat crewman and are not unduly heavy, thus not interfering with activities of the wearers.

Although the prior art teaches a variety of such protective helmet assemblies, current facial protection remains heavy and uncomfortable and usually prevents proper sighting through a weapon carried by the wearer. In addition, current helmet assemblies have limited functionality as they mainly focus on integration of conventional devices, such as Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and flashlights, to the helmet and do not provide added functionality by enabling integration of other electronic devices.

Moreover, in addition to focusing mainly on mounted war fighters such as pilots and tank commanders and offering few solutions for dismounted war fighters, current proposals often require modifications to standard helmets in order to integrate the desired facial protection. As a result, the protective gear fails to integrate easily and safely and as a single system with standard military helmets which often leads to eye and face injuries for the wearer.

Also, as the facial protection is typically secured to the helmet using fasteners such as hinged mounts, straps, pins, and the like, the facial protection needs to be raised or the overall assembly taken apart to expose a wearer's face, thus proving tedious and time consuming, especially in critical situations (e.g. a soldier requiring medical assistance) where it is desired to quickly remove the protection without removing the entire supporting structure.

What is therefore needed, and one object of the present invention, is an enhanced integrated system for combat helmet, which enables quick release of the protective face mask in order to ease access to a wearer's face in case of emergency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

More specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided an integrated system for a protective ballistic helmet for protecting a wearers head and at least a portion of the wearer's face, the helmet comprising a brim positioned above the wearer's face when worn. The system comprises a support adapted for secure mounting to the helmet and comprising an elongate mask receiving portion arranged along the brim, a ballistic mask adapted for mounting to the elongate mask receiving portion, and a quick release mechanism securing the mask to the mask receiving portion. The mask can be removed from the elongate mounting portion by releasing the quick release mechanism.

There is also disclosed a face protective head gear for protecting a wearers face. The head gear comprises a face protecting portion manufactured from a rigid ballistic material and comprising a pair of cheek protecting portions interconnected by a nose and mouth connecting portion, wherein when worn by the wearer, a lower edge of the face protecting portion adjacent at least one of the cheek protecting portions is positioned above a jaw line of the wearer, and a neck protecting skirt manufactured from a soft flexible ballistic armour and attached along the lower edge of the face protecting portion.

Other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a raised right front perspective view of an integrated system for combat helmet in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded right front perspective view of the integrated system of FIG. 1 detailing the quick release mechanism in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front exploded perspective view of a mask portion of the integrated system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right front perspective view of the integrated system of FIG. 1 with the neck and chin protecting portion removed;

FIG. 5 is a right front raised exploded perspective view of the securing mechanism of the integrated system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front plan view of an integrated system for combat helmet in accordance with an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a side plan view of an integrated system for combat helmet in accordance with a second alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of an integrated system for combat helmet, generally referred to using the reference numeral 10, will now be described. The system 10 protects the head of a wearer (e.g. a soldier, not shown) and comprises a ballistic face mask 12 mounted to the helmet (not shown) using a multifunction support assembly 14. The mask 12 (e.g. a full level contoured IIIA mask) illustratively has a shape designed to conform to the contour of the wearer's face and is preferably compression moulded from a light weight and highly impact resistant material, such as Kevlar™. The manufacture of the mask 12 thus ensures that it remains lightweight, illustratively with a weight less than one pound (e.g. about 0.5 pounds).

Still referring to FIG. 1, the mask 12 comprises a visor or lens 16 (e.g. clear, smoke, amber, or laser) illustratively manufactured from a 4 mm to 6 mm, preferably 5 mm, thick ballistic polycarbonate for protecting the wearer's eyes from debris and projectiles as well as a chin and nose protecting portion 18 depending from the lower edge of the lens 16. The mask 12 is secured to the multifunction support assembly 14 via a pair of quick release assemblies as in 20. As will be discussed in more detail below, the quick releases as in 20 provide that the mask can be quickly and completely removed from the multifunction support assembly 14.

The multifunction support assembly 14 further comprises an elongate mounting portion 22 for positioning on the brow of the helmet and a securing portion comprising a pair of tongues 24, 26 one of each of which is pivotally mounted to a respective end 28, 30 of the mounting portion 22 via a hinge mechanism as in 32. As will be discussed in more detail below, the respective ends of the pair of tongues 24, 26 are secured within an adjustable ratchet mechanism 34 provides a means for tightening the multifunction support assembly 14 onto the helmet.

A pair of rails 36, 38, such as standardised #1913 Picatinny type rails, are secured to the temple regions of the elongate mounting portion 22 for example through use of a threaded Allen bolt 40 or the like, which engages a corresponding threaded bore 42 machined or otherwise formed in the elongate mounting portion 22. Each of the rails 36, 38 is stabilised and prevented from rotating by a series of raised bosses as in 44 moulded or otherwise formed in the elongate mounting portion 22 which engages with the rearward side of the rails 36, 38. The rails 36,38 are used, for example, for mounting of power supplies, flashlights or other devices (all not shown), to the elongate mounting portion 22. The rails 36,38 allow for a plurality of devices (e.g. flashlights, beacons, IR locators, GPS) and other electronic equipment (e.g. range finders, microphones, head phones, integrated head up displays, laser lens systems, sensors for monitoring body temperature, perspiration, and pulse rate) to be directly mounted to the helmet via the integrated system 10. Networking systems (e.g. peer-to-peer networks, not shown) for providing information related to the wearers' groups and individual positions may also be provided.

Still referring to FIG. 1, a supporting surface 46 is provided at the front of the elongate mounting portion 22 for receiving an equipment receiving adaptor 48 illustratively for receiving lights or the like (not shown). The adaptor 48 is illustratively secured to the supporting surface 46 via an Allen bolt 50 or the like. In a particular embodiment the rails 36, 38 and equipment receiving adaptor 48 can be interconnected by a series of conductive wires (not shown), for example imbedded or partially embedded in the elongate mounting portion 22, such that a power supply (also not shown) mounted on one or other of the rails 36, 38 can be used to power a device (also not shown) mounted on the equipment receiving adaptor 48 without the necessity of providing an external interconnection between supply and device.

A pair of elongate eyelets as in 52 are illustratively also provided in order to allow the elongate mounting portion 22 to fit over existing visor mounts (not shown).

The inner surface 54 of the ratchet mechanism 34 is countered to fit the rear curved surface of the helmet and provides a convenient location for the storage of an Allen key 56 as well as spare Allen bolts as in 58. Additionally a raised lip 60, which is designed to engage a lower edge of a helmet, is provided to ensure that the system 10 is not dislodged from the helmet by an inadvertent upward force on the ratchet mechanism 34 (for example by the wearer falling backwards or the like).

Referring now to FIG. 2, as discussed above the mask 12 is secured to the multifunction support assembly 14 via a pair of quick releases 20. Each quick release 20 is comprised of an elongate spindle 62 terminated at a first end by a knob 64 and at the other end by a splined groove 66. The groove 66 is adapted to received and engage a securing rod 68 held within a bore 70 moulded or otherwise formed in the elongate mounting portion 22. A spring 72 is also provided. In operation, the mask 12 is installed on the multifunction support assembly 14 and each quick release 20 inserted into a respective quick release receiving bore as in 74 moulded or otherwise formed in the mask 12. Coincident with the insertion of the quick release 20 in the bore 74, the spring 72 is compressed between the knob 64 and a flange portion 76 around the quick release receiving bore 74. Once the securing rod 68 is positioned within the splined groove 66, the spindle 62 is turned clockwise a quarter turn and the quick release 20 engaged. The biasing force generated by the compressed spring 72 serves to retain the quick release 20 in the engaged position as well as preventing the assembly from rattling or the like. In order to release the mask 12 from the multifunction support assembly 14, an inward pressure is exerted on the knob 64, the spindle 62 turned counter clockwise a quarter turn and the quick release 20 disengaged. As a result, it becomes possible to rapidly remove (e.g. in seconds) the mask 12 to expose the wearer's face. Such a feature proves particularly advantageous in critical situations where rapid access to the wearer's face is crucial, for example when the wearer requires medical assistance or when the lens 16 of the mask 12 has become smeared with an opaque substance such as oil, or the like.

Still referring to FIG. 2, in order to simplify installation of the mask 12 on the multifunction support assembly 14, a pair of raised bosses as in 78 are provided on the elongate mounting portion 22 which are received into a pair of corresponding boss receiving slots 80, illustratively moulded or machined in an upper edge of the lens 16. A cutaway 82 is also provided towards the centre of an upper edge of the lens 16 for providing clearance around the supporting surface 46 when the mask 12 is installed.

Referring now to FIG. 3, as discussed above the mask 12 is comprised of a lens 16 and chin and nose protecting portion 18. Illustratively, the lens 16 is secured to the chin and nose protecting portion 18 by a series of Allen bolts as in 84 which are inserted via a series of corresponding bores as in 86 moulded or otherwise formed in the chin and nose protecting portion 18 into a series of corresponding threaded bores as in 88 machined or otherwise formed in the lens 16. In this regard, in order to ensure that the Allen bolts as in 88 can be securely tightened, each of the threaded bores as in 88 typically comprises a threaded metal insert which is press fit into a suitable insert receiving bore (both not shown).

Still referring to FIG. 3, in a particular embodiment, however, the mask 12 could be moulded from a single piece of material, for example transparent polycarbonate or the like, or the lens 16 and chin and nose protecting portion 18 joined together using a suitable adhesive or welding process. Provision of the series of Allen bolts as in 84 allows the lens 16 and chin and nose protecting portion 18 to be separated allowing, for example, only the lens 16 to be secured to the multifunction support assembly 14 (see FIG. 4), which is more reflective of the riot or fragmentation style visors.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the lens 16 further comprises a series of integrated air vents as in 90 along an upper edge thereof to improve airflow across the inner surface of the lens 16. Additionally, the chin and nose protecting portion 18, which comprises a pair of elongate jaw portions 92, 94 interconnected by a nose portion 96, can include a series of air vents/passageways as in 98 as well as filters 100 in the nose portion 96 also to improve airflow within the mask 12. In a particular embodiment the air vents/passageways as in 98 can be sized and/or positioned to prevent the direct infiltration of a projectile (not shown) into the mask 12.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the elongate jaw portions 92, 94 are lowered and each comprise a chamfered upper edge as in 102, thereby increasing the amount of the lens 16 which is exposed and improving the field of vision of the wearer. This in turn improves the suitability of the integrated system 10 for use with optics such as telescopic sights or the like (not shown), which as a result can be positioned closer to the wearer's face and eyes, thereby allowing the wearer to operate a rifle or other shoulder weapon (not shown) in a traditional shooting position (e.g. with the wearer's head resting in such manner that the wearer's eye looking through the rifle scope is positioned behind the sights of the rifle and the wearer's cheek is positioned proximate to the rifle stock) without obstruction.

Referring back to FIG. 1, as discussed above illustratively an adjustable ratchet mechanism 34 provides a means for securing the multifunction support assembly 14 onto the helmet. Referring now to FIG. 5, the ratchet mechanism 34 is comprised of a pair of opposed inner interlocking plate 104 and outer interlocking plate 106 which are moulded or otherwise suitably formed to define a slot 108 for receiving the ends of the pair of tongues 24, 26 there between when interlocked. In order to interlock the inner plate 104 with the outer plate 106, a series of complementary slots as in 110 and flexible tabs 112 are provided. The ratchet mechanism 34 further comprises an adjusting knob 114 comprising a serrated inner surface 116 concentric with a collar 118 comprising a pair of flexible pawls as in 120 as well as a pair of clips as in 122 which mate with corresponding bosses (not shown) depending from an outer surface 124 of the outer plate 106. The adjusting knob 114 further comprises a fluted shaft 126 comprising a plurality of cog teeth which is adapted for insertion into a shaft receiving aperture 128 moulded or otherwise formed in the outer plate 106. The ends of each of the pair of tongues 24, 26 includes a pair of serrated slots as in 130 formed therein and in alignment with respectively an inner upper or lower edge of each slot comprising a series of teeth 132.

Still referring to FIG. 5, on assembly of the ratchet mechanism as in 34 the ends of the pair of tongues 24, 26 are positioned between the inner plate 104 and the outer plate 106, the slots 110 and tabs 112 aligned and the inner plate 104 and the outer plate 106 snapped together. The collar 118 is placed about the fluted shaft 126 of the adjusting knob and the fluted shaft 126 inserted into the shaft receiving aperture 128 while ensuring that the pair of clips as in 122 engage their respective bosses. The dial 114 is secured to the inner plate 104 through provision of an Allen bolt 134 or the like (which acts as a shaft around which the dial 114 can rotate) which is securely threaded into a complementary threaded insert 136 imbedded in the inner plate 104, and such that the fluted shaft 126 engages the teeth 132. In operation, rotation of the knob 114 forces the ends of the tongues 24, 26 to move relative to one another through engagement of the cog teeth of the fluted shaft 126 of the knob 114 with the teeth 132. Illustratively, clockwise rotation of the knob 114 imparts a tightening force thus securing the multifunction support assembly 14 about the helmet to which it is mounted. The flexible pawls 120 interact with the serrated inner surface 116 of the knob 114 to retain the knob 114, and therefore the ends of the tongues 24, 26, in a particular tightened relationship. The tightening force can be reversed by simply rotating the dial in the opposite direction. In a particular embodiment, once the ratchet mechanism 34 has been used to secure the multifunction support assembly 14 about the helmet, the Allen bolt 134 can be over tightened such that the knob 114 can no longer be rotated, thus ensuring that the ratchet mechanism 34 is accidentally loosened.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the outer surface 138 of the outer plate 106 also provides a convenient location for securing a power supply such as a battery pack (not shown) or an identification/signalling device 140, for example using a Velcro™ pad or the like (not shown).

Referring back to FIG. 1, the mask 12 provides for enhanced blast/frag protection as the mask 12 is illustratively manufactured from high impact nylon and hybrid polymers, which ensures good performance in both hot and cold environments, or alternatively for example Kevlar or other ballistic composite materials.

Referring now to FIG. 6, in an alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention the mask 12 can be fabricated such that it can be mounted to the multifunction support assembly 14 without the necessity of the provision of a lens. In this regard the mask 12 defines a cut-away portion 142, allowing the wearer, for example to wear conventional sunglasses or the like (not shown) under the mask 12. Still, in a particular embodiment a lens (not shown) could be adapted to be inserted and held within the a cut-away portion 142, for example through provision of a pair of slots (not shown) into which the ends of the lens would snap.

Still referring to FIG. 6, through provision of a flange 144 along a lower edge of the mask 12 and an appropriate securing mechanism such as button fasteners as in 146 a soft flexible ballistic armour 148 may be snapped onto the lower edge mask 12 to provide additional protection to the wearer's throat and neck. In this manner the system 10 can provide the protection of a full ballistic IIIA contoured mask.

Referring back to FIG. 1, and as discussed herein above, the system 10 can illustratively be retrofitted to current issue Kevlar™ helmets and can provide added functionality, thus advantageously providing soldiers with various options for different types of missions. Indeed, in addition to being lightweight and providing the quick release mechanism as a key safety feature for enabling quick removal of the mask 12, an additional benefit of the mask 14 is safe integration thereof as a single system 10 with standard military helmets of all kinds. As a result, maximum protection and safety is provided to the face, eyes, and head of the wearer during training and combat operations, leading to a significant reduction casualties and fatalities, especially those resulting from eye and face injuries related to IED attacks.

Referring now to FIG. 7, in a second alternative illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the system 10 can be mounted to the helmet 150 via a plurality of screws as in 152 or the like, as opposed to the ratchet mechanism (reference 34 in FIG. 1). In this regard, the screws as in 152 are illustratively secured to the helmet 150 through attachment onto threaded posts (not shown), for example as provided for attachment of a visor or the like, which protrude through provided elongate eyelets as in 52.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove by way of specific embodiments thereof, it can be modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the subject invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. An integrated system for a protective ballistic helmet for protecting a wearers head and at least a portion of the wearer's face, the helmet comprising a brim positioned above the wearer's face when worn, the system comprising: a support adapted for secure mounting to the helmet and comprising an elongate mask receiving portion arranged along the brim; a ballistic mask adapted for mounting to said elongate mask receiving portion; and a quick release mechanism securing said mask to said mask receiving portion; wherein said mask can be removed from said elongate mounting portion by releasing said quick release mechanism.
 2. The integrated system of claim 1, wherein said support further comprises a tightening mechanism for releasably securing said support about the helmet.
 3. The integrated system of claim 2, wherein said tightening mechanism comprises a pair of overlapping tongues, each of said tongues attached to a respective end of said elongate mask receiving portion, said elongate mask receiving portion and said overlapping tongues together defining a helmet receiving opening, and a ratchet mechanism for generating a helmet securing and releasing force by moving said tongues relative to one another.
 4. The integrated system of claim 3, wherein said ratchet mechanism comprises a pair of opposed slots in alignment, one of said slots formed lengthwise in each of said tongues, a first row of teeth formed in a top edge of one of said slots and a second row of said teeth formed in a bottom edge of the other of said slots, a cylindrical adjusting knob having cog teeth at a first inner end and a hand grip at a second outer end, said cog teeth extending through said slots and engaging said first and second rows of teeth.
 5. The integrated system of claim 1, wherein said support is secured to the helmet using a plurality of fasteners.
 6. The integrated system of claim 1, wherein said quick release mechanism comprises a pair of quick release receiving bores defined by said elongate mounting portion, one of said pair of bores positioned towards a respective end of said elongate mounting portion, and wherein said mask comprises a pair of quick releases, each of said pair of releases positioned and adapted for mating with a respective one of said quick release receiving bores.
 7. A face protective head gear for protecting a wearers face, the head gear comprising: a face protecting portion manufactured from a rigid ballistic material and comprising a pair of cheek protecting portions interconnected by a nose and mouth connecting portion, wherein when worn by the wearer, a lower edge of said face protecting portion adjacent at least one of said cheek protecting portions is positioned above a jaw line of the wearer; and a neck protecting skirt manufactured from a soft flexible ballistic armour and attached along said lower edge of said face protecting portion.
 8. The head gear of claim 7, further comprising a support assembly adapted for secure mounting to a helmet and comprising an elongate mask receiving portion arranged along the brim and wherein said face protecting portion is adapted for mounting to said elongate mask receiving portion.
 9. The head gear of claim 7, wherein said lower edge of said face protecting portion adjacent each of said cheek protecting portions is positioned above a jaw line of the wearer.
 10. The head gear of claim 7, wherein said face protecting portion defines a lens receiving aperture above said pair of cheek protecting portions and said nose and mouth connecting portion and further comprising a transparent lens positioned within said aperture.
 11. The head gear of claim 7, wherein said neck protecting skirt is removeably attached to said lower edge. 